I cannot think of anything more damaging to the inward and outward beauty of a girl, than bitterness. It is a seed, that once planted, begins to choke out the grace and sweetness of a young maiden and is terribly hard to get rid of. The plant grows rapidly, and sends out new shoots that produce more seeds and can easily spread to others. Let me tell you about some ways this seed is planted, how it spreads, and what you must do to get rid of it.

Giving is really so very rewarding!  It is to be seen as a privilege, a joy!  Here are some pointers from Scripture concerning our opportunity to give.  

“Brrrrring!” As the phone echoed through the house, there was a clatter of feet on the stairs, and within seconds an enthusiastic little voice was calling, “Margaret! It’s for you!”

Laying down the napkins she’d been folding, Margaret hurried over. “Thanks, Joseph,” she smiled, before saying into the phone, “Hello, this is Margaret.” Her face lit up with pleasure as she recognized the voice of her friend Jennifer—a phone call from her was a once-or-twice-a-year affair.
For perhaps fifteen minutes, the girls talked about the various little events since their last chat some months before, but Margaret could tell that something was on her friend’s mind. At last, Jennifer burst out:

​“My sister Annie is engaged to Thomas Craddock from church!”

My daughters encouraged me to write about how we have encouraged them to write letters here at the house and about how I have been involved in the past in what we called a round robin letter group.  

​​When I was in 11th grade, my favorite subject was American history. And while my tests quizzed dates, names, and places, they also required that I memorize certain passages of Scripture that remind us to be in subjection to our authorities. One night I was especially anxious about a quiz scheduled for the next day. I had to write from memory a large portion from the Bible and I had not studied enough. After climbing into bed, I read the chapter several times. Then I said to my sister,

"Brittany, please ‘quiz’ me over this passage. I need to make sure I know it before tomorrow!” She listened as I stumbled through the recitation.

The next morning Brittany was practically laughing as we greeted each other. “You were sleep talking again,” she told me.

“What was I saying?” I asked. (This is my response every time she tells me I’ve been sleep talking.)

“You were trying to quote that passage you’re going to be quizzed on today!” We both had a good laugh, especially after I passed the quiz. 

​This amusing story brings me to a topic I have been thinking about quite a bit lately: keeping God in all our thoughts.